On 05 Oct 2004, Ric wrote


"Al Reynolds" wrote in message
...
"Ric" wrote in message
...

But if I let them fit it they will charge me!

How much? My gripper and underlay *fitted* in my
lounge/diner was cheaper than I could source it myself.

Really? We did enquire at the carpet place and it appeared that
their cheapest quality stuff (which the bloke actually refused to
recommend - presumably becuase he wanted to sell us a dearer one)

Well, also probably because he's right to tell you to avoid the bottom-
line stuff... (I think we'd all agree that underlay can make or
break carpet: cruddy stuff can make even good carpet seem cheap 'n'
nasty.)

Out of curiousity, where were you buying this from? The price
comparisons I've done over the years seem to suggest the big-name
places have cheap "headline" (per square metre) prices, but that their
underlay, grippers and threshold bars are dear. I guess that's how
they make it work, but personally I'd rather be quoted a realistic
price for both, rather than "one low + one inflated".

(FWIW, we've used a local specialist firm for the past two big jobs at
our house; whilst his carpet initially seemed expensive, the total
cost -- with really good underlay -- was either the same or less than
we'd been quoted at the edge-of-town sheds.)

--
Cheers,
Harvey